US2102466A

US2102466A - Printing machine

Info

Publication number: US2102466A
Application number: US57464A
Authority: US
Inventors: Harry L Latz; Stephen H Plum
Original assignee: HARRY LATZ SERVICE Inc
Current assignee: HARRY LATZ SERVICE Inc
Priority date: 1936-01-04
Filing date: 1936-01-04
Publication date: 1937-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 1954-12-14

Description

Dec. 14, 1937.

H. L. LATZ ET AL 2,102,466

PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet l VENT 0R5 IN /ARR KL .LA T2. STEPHEN HHUMZ BY MM ATTORNEY 5 Dec. 14-, 1937. TZ ET AL 2,102,466

" PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7' Sheets-Sheet 2 HARm i. 5

STE Pl-(EN' HPLUMZ BY I v //kawtW ATTORNEYS Dec. 14. 1937. H. LATZ ET AL PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 T L m Dec. 14, 1937. H. L. LATZ ET AL PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VENTOR5 HA r? I? .1, A72. .57: P/ls 1v l-(IPL uni dz r ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 14, 1937. H7 1.. LATZ ET AL PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Hill! I INVENTORS A/Arm Y L. z,A-rz 575 ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 14, 1937. H. LATZ ET AL PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 III/I) 1 2 m m 0 EH Em WRH p H W 5 23 Z w g 6 0 1 g V a o w 5 r V 7 9 9 62 m wm Patented Dec. '14, 1937 UNITED STATES PATET OFFICE PRINTING MACHINE tion of New York Application January 4, 1936, Serial No. 57,464

Claims.

The invention relates to printing machines and has for its object to provide a simple machine adapted to automatically print individual and separate items, as exemplified by the names of different persons, in predetermined succession or other sequence in an efficient manner. The invention contemplates primarily the provision of a novel machine whereby printed impressions of predetermined character may be added to matter previously printed or otherwise produced, so as to harmonize therewith and to give each completed sheet or its equivalent an individual appearance or a personal character. Other more specific objects will appear from the description hereinafter and the features of novelty will be pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate an example of the invention without defining its limits, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the novel machine; Fig. 2 is a similar View from the opposite side; Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation approximately through the longitudinal center of the machine; Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an end elevation; Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-section on the line B3 of Fig. 3; Fig. '7 is a fragmentary vertical section on the line 1'| of Fig. 5; Figs. 8, 9, and 10 are detail sections showing parts of the machine in different positions; Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail section on the line H-ll of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the linking mechanism; Fig. 13 is a fragmentary section on the line l3-l3 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the line l4-i4 of Fig. 13, and Fig. 15 is a detail section on the line l5l5 of Fig. '7.

In its illustrated form the machine includes a frame consisting of spaced, parallel upright side members 15 and a base-plate I 5 extending between and connecting said side members 15, the latter in addition serving as supports for a horizontal bed-plate I! located at a distance above the base plate 16 as shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 6. The side members l5 of the frame are continued in the form of horizontal supports or arms I8 which project in spaced parallel relation over the bed-plate I! and have their free ends connected by means of a transverse guide plate '29 removably secured in position in any suitable manner as by means of bolts 2%.

As shown in Fig. 15 the guide plate I9 is recessed on its inner face for the accommodation of an upper carrier which is maintained. in place by means of guide strips 19 removably secured in position in any convenient manner as by bolts I9 the upper carrier 2! at its lower end is provided with a stamping or pressure member 22 of any suitable type and fixed in place in any conventional way, the arrangement being such that said upper carrier 2! is vertically slidable in the recess of said guide plate I9. For the purpose of vertically reciprocating the upper carrier '2! and stamping or pressure member 22, in the operation of the machine, said carrier is supported upon a head 23, preferably so as to be vertically adjustable relatively thereto, the head 23 fitting into a recess with which the upper carrier 2| is provided as illustrated in Fig. 15. The adjustment of the upper carrier 2! on the head 23 may be effected in any suitable manner; in the illustrated example, the carrier 2| for this purpose is provided with a lug'24 in which an adjusting screw 25 is rotatably mounted, and with a second lug 26 provided with a recess for the accommodation of a bearing projection 21 located at the lower end of said screw 25 as shown in Figs. 3 and '7, a hand wheel 28 or equivalent device being provided on said screw 25 tofacilitate the manipulation thereof. The aforesaid screw 25 passes through and is in threaded engagement with the head 23 so that an operation of said screw 25 will slidably adjust the carrier 2! on said head 23 in vertical directions; as shown in Fig. 15 set screws 29 or any equivalent suitable means may be provided for fixing the upper carrier 2| in an adjusted position on the head 23.

Inthe illustrated example, the head 23 and the upper carrier '2! and stamping or pressure member 22 arevertically reciprocated in synchronism with the associated elements of the machine by means of a rocking lever 38 pivoted at 3! and having its one end pivotally connected at 32 with said head 23 as shown in Figs. 3, 7, and 15; for the purpose of illustrating an example of the means for rocking the lever on its pivot 3l the other end of said lever 30 carries a roller 33 projecting into a cam groove 34 of a cam disk 35 fixed upon a shaft 36 suitably journalled in the arms I8. In order to permit the upper carrier 2! and its associated elements to reciprocate in a straight vertical path in the recessed guide plate 19 without jamming as a result of the rocking of the lever 30 in an arc, the pivot 3| is carried by a frame 31 which depends from a pivot 38 mounted on the arms l8 as shown in Figs. 3 and 6. Under certain conditions it may be desirable to vary the vertical movements of the stamping or pressure member 22 for the purpose for instance of adjusting the effective pressure developed thereby; the illustrated example accordingly shows the pivot 38 in the form of a shaft journalled in the arms 18 and provided with eccentrics 39 located within circular bearing rings 40 with which the frame 31 in such case is provided. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the means for actuating the eccentrics 39 may consist of an operating lever 4| pivoted at 42 on an arm l8 and connected by means of a link '43 with a lug 44 which'is fixed uponand projects radially from the pivot shaft As shown in Fig. 3. the bed-plate I1 is provided with an opening 45 beneath and in registry with the stamping or pressing member 22, the

latter being located invertical registry with a 7 lower carrier 46 adapted to reciprocate in opposed relation to the upper carrier?! as shown in Fig. 3.

The lower carrier 46 is vertically slidable in stationary upright guideways 41 forming part of a guide plate 48 suitably secured between the side members 15, and is vertically reciprocable in said guideways 41 in properly timed relation with the upper carrier 2| and its associated elements by means of any suitable mechanism. 1 In the illustrated example the latter consists of a rocking lever49 carried by a'shaft 50 rotatably mounted onthe'side members I and having its one end forked at 5| for slidable engagement with abearing block 52 fixed upon'a pivot pin 53.journalled between lugs 54 forming part of or secured to the lower carrier '46 as shown in Figs. 3 and '7. The opposite end of the lever 49 carries a roller 55 which'projects into the cam groove 56 of a cam disk 51 mounted to rotate with a shaft 58 journalled on the side members 15 in any convenient manner. 7

The novel machine is designed to operate with printing or impression slugs 59 which carry the individual items to be printed, as exemplified by Fig. 7.

the names of different persons, in the form of type cast upon the upper faces of said slugs in any customary way; the slugs 59 are fed to the lower 7 with a gripping means automatically controlled to As shown in the provide the desired results. drawings the aforesaid gripping means consists of a plate or stop 60 fixed upon the lower carrier 46 and projecting above theupper face thereof as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 7; for co-operation with the-plate or stop 60 the lower carrier 46 is further provided with a movable clamping member 6| located in spaced opposed relation to said plate 69 and carried by a member 62 pivoted at 63 between the lugs 54:0f said carrier 46 as shown in The member 62 carries a pin 64 which projects slidabl'y: through the lower carrier 46 and'supports a coil spring '65 located between the carrier 46 andan adjustable abutment exemplified by the nuts 66 threaded uponsaid pin 64 as shown in Figs. 3 and 7; the spring. 65 by acting on the'nuts 66 or their equivalent serves'to force the clamping member 6| into engagement with the successive slugs 59 for clamping the same against the plate or stop 60 during the printing operations. The successive slugs 59 may be released at the proper time for removal from the lower carrier 46 in anyconvenient'manner, as

for instance by locating a wedge-shaped cam 61 upon the member 62 which is provided with an opening 68 for the accommodation of said cam 61 as illustrated in Fig. 7. The cam 61 is'arranged to co-operate, with a releasing device illustrated in the form ofv a rod 69 slidably mounted in the lower carrier 46 for vertical movement relatively thereto; the rod 69 has its lower end resting upon the base plate [6 and is of sufficient length to extend into operative engagement with the cam 61 in the opening 68 when the carrier 46 is in its lower position as shown in Fig. 7. With the arrangement set forth, the rod 66 will be retained upon or dropped back upon the base plate l6 by gravity as the carrier 46 is raised, and when said carrier 46'is lowered will engage the 'cam 61 and thereby pivotally actuate the meli'h ber'62' and clamping member 6! against the ten-- sion of the spring 65 to release one slug 59 for removal from the carrier 46 and to permit a successive slug 59.to be positioned thereon. in order to relieve the mechanism whereby the lower carrier 46 is reciprocated, from excessive strains during the successive printing operations, the machine is provided with means whereby said carrier 46 is supported from below during each printing stage. In the illustrated example the aforesaid supporting means is exemplified by an arm 18 fixed upon a pivot shaft 1| journalled in the side members l5 and provided with a shoulder 12 arranged to extend beneath the lower carrier 46 when the latter is in'its raised position, said arm 16 having its upper end movable in an opening 13 in the guide plate 48 as shown in Fig.

7. A spring 14 connected with 'a lug 15 of the arm and with a fixed pin 16 or its equivalent tends to pivotally swing the upper end of the arm 18 toward the carrier 46. The arm 19 maybe automatically operated in any suitable manner to re move the shoulder 12 from beneath the raised carrier 46 at the proper time, as for instance by means of a link 11 pivotally connected at 18 with the aforesaid lug and at'19 with a lug 89 fixed upon a pivot pin 8! which also carries a tripping pawl 82 and is rotatably mounted in'a bearing 83 upon the base plate !6; the tripping pawl 82 projects into the path of a projection 84 carried for-instance by a cam disk '85 fixed upon the shaft 58 as shown in'Fig. 3.

The machine further includes a container for a supply of slugs .59, said container being illustrated in the form of a horizontal chute 86 ex' tending lengthwise ofthe one side member I5, as shown in Fig. 4, and dimensioned transversely in accordance with the length of the slugs 59 which said' chute 86 is designed toaccommodate. The

chute 86 is suitably supported in the machine and terminates at its delivery end in registrywith transferring means .and adjacent to anopening 81 formed in the aforesaid side member I5, as illustrated in Figs; 1 and 4. In the example guide wall 89 which extends into delivery relation to the lower carrier 46, as shown in Fig. 4, said guide member 88 and guide wall 89 serving to guide and maintain the transferring device of the aforesaid transferring means in its in' tended operative path. I

Because of the fact that the items to be printed, such as'the names of individuals, vary 'in' length andthat accordingly the individual lines of type located on the slugs. 59 are of different length in different slugs 59, it is desirable to provide atransfer device which will compen-- sate; for such diiferences, in order that theslugs shown in the drawings,. a guide member 88 islocated in transverse relation to the delivery end 7 of the chute 8'6 and is provided with an upright ferences in the length of said lines of type; the illustrations in Figs. 8, 9, and 10 diagrammatically show lines of type a. and b of different lengths on two individual slugs 59. It is to be understood that the expression lines of type is used herein in a broad sense and intended to include any impression producing means suitable to the purposes for which the machine may be used.

For the above reasons the transfer device accordingly may consist of a transfer member 90 of generally rectangular shape in cross-section and including two parallel side walls spaced apart as shown in Fig. 11. The side walls c are preferably provided with guide grooves 9I in which propelling or shifting

members

92 and 93 are slidably mounted for movement lengthwise of the transfer member 99. The propelling

members

92 and 93 are each provided on their opposed faces with racks 99 which slidably fit the space between the side walls 0 and mesh with a pinion 95 journalled in said side walls 0 in the aforesaid space as illustrated in Fig. 11. With the' arrangement set forth the propelling

members

92 and 93 are caused to move lengthwise of the transfer member 90 in inverse relation by the action of the pinion 95 as will appear more fully hereinafter. To facilitate the operation of the propelling or shifting

members

92 and 93 in the desired manner, a spring 99 has its one end connected to a lug 91 on the member 92 and its other end attached to a pin or the like 98 fixed to the one side wall 0 as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10; the spring 96 exerts a tension tending to draw the propelling or shifting member 92 into the transfer member 90 and consequently, through the medium of the racks 94 and pinion 95, to move the propelling or shifting member 93 out of said member 90.

Any conventional mechanism may be provided for shifting the transfer member 90 and its associated elements lengthwise of the guide member 89 and guide wall 89 in transverse relation to the chute 39 for the purpose of transferring successive slugs 59 from said chute 85 to a printing position on the lower carrier 46 as will be more fully described hereinafter. In the illustrated example the aforesaid mechanism comprises a lever 99 pivoted at I99 upon a bracket IOI suitably mounted upon the one side wall I5, said lever 99 being pivotally connected at I02 with a link I63 which in turn is pivotally connected with a pin I94 depending from the transfer member 99 as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10; to permit the necessary movements of the pin I04 the guide member 89 is provided with a slot I95 extending lengthwise thereof as also illustrated in Figs. 8. 9, and 10. The lever 99 is oscillated on its pivot I 99 in a manner to reciprocate the transfer member 90 in its operative path, by means of a cam I09 fixed upon the shaft 58 and including a cam groove I01 for the accommodation of a roller I08 rotatably mounted upon an arm H39 carried by the lever 99 as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 4.

In addition the parts so far described, the machine includes intermittently actuated means for advancing the supply of slugs 59 in the chute 36 in successive steps in a manner to bring successive forward terminal slugs 59 into operative relation to the transfer means to permit said slugs 59 to be individually shifted from said chute 85 to a printing position on the lower carrier 99.

As shown by way of example in the drawings, the aforesaid intermittently actuated means includes an advancing member H9 projecting transversely across the chute 89 and arranged to engage the rearward terminal slug 59 of the supply contained in said chute 96 as shown in Fig. 4. Any suitable mechanism may be provided for intermittently advancing the member H9 in a manner to effect the intermittent advance of the slugs 59. For instance as disclosed in the illustrated example of the machine the mechanism referred to may include a support I I I on which a shaft H2 is suitably journalled, said shaft H2 serving as a pivotal support for the advancing member IIil which is conveniently fixed on said shaft M2 to rock therewith. The support III further has a second shaft I 13 rotatably mounted thereon and carrying a pinion II4 which meshes with a pinion I I5 located on the shaft H2, whereby said two shafts I 52 and II 3 are geared together as illustrated in Fig. 4; the shaft H3 is provided with a crank handle I I6 or equivalent device for rocking the same for the purpose to be more clearly described hereinafter. The support III is slidable lengthwise of a grooved guide rail H1 and projects over and is adjustable lengthwise of a rack I38, which itself is slidable lengthwise of a grooved guide rail H9; the guide rails II! and H9 are located in spaced parallel relation to each other as shown in Fig. 4 and are supported in the machine in contiguous lengthwise relation of the chute 39 in any convenient manner. The advancing member H9 carries a pawl I29 adapted to co-operate with the rack II8 for adjustably connecting said member I I9 and its support IIi therewith. The rack H3 is arranged to be slidably advanced in successive steps lengthwise of the guide rail H9 to correspondingly advance the support III with the member iii and the supply of slugs 59 located in the chute 96, and for this purpose is provided with a depending lug 82! which projects. downwardly through a slot I22 in the guide rail H9 as shown in Fig. 1. The lug I2! is connected by means of a spring I23 with a bracket 24 slidably mounted in a slot I25 of a stationary plate I26, said bracket I 24 being carried by an operating member EZ'I; the latter is provided with slots 28 for the accommodation of pins 529 or their equivalent whereby said operating member E2? is slidably supported upon the one side member I5 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The

operating member I2! is actuated in one direction in an operative movement by means of a cam projection I39 on the peripheral surface of the cam 399, which co-operates with a roller I3I journalled upon said operating member I2! at one end thereof as shown in Fig. 1: a second spring I32 has its one end attached to the lug I2I and its other end to a fixed pin I33 projecting downwardly from the guide rail H9, and acts in opposition to the spring I23 for the purpose of moving the rack H9 in a return direction relatively to the support I I I and the advancing member H9 carried thereby. In other words, the arrangement is such that in its operative movement the rack I I9 acts on the pawl 29 to advance the support Ill and member H9 one step to thereby shift a forward terminal slug 59 into position for transfer from the chute 36 to the printing position on the lower carrier 69; on the other hand during the movement of recovery of said rack I I8 under the influence of the second spring 532 the i2) only over the teeth of the rack M3 to a new position thereon, the sup port iii and advancing member H9 remaining stationary during this stage ready to be subse- .quently advanced another step when the cam projection I30 again acts on the roller I3 I After the printing operation has been effected by a given slug 59 the latter is removed from the printing position on the lower carrier 46 by the next successive slug 59 as it is shifted into printing position on said carrier 46.

For the purpose of disposing of the slugs 59 in an orderly manner as. said slugs are removed from the lower carrier 46 the machine is provided with an inclined chute I34 in adjustable receiving relation tothe lower carrier 46 and in delivery communication with an inclined trough I35 or its equivalent; as shown in Figs. 2, 4, 5, and 6the chute I34 and trough I35 are supported upon brackets I36 suitably secured to the one side member I5. As the slugs 59 are successively deposited in the trough I35 said slugs are progressively shifted lengthwise thereof for removal therefrom at will in any convenient manner. In the illustrated example of the machine thisshifting of the slugs 59 is accomplished by means of a pushing member I31 normally located at one end of the trough I35 in operative relationto the chute I34 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The pushing member I31 is carried by a rod I38 and arm I39 fixed upon a second rod I49 slidably mounted in a bearing I ll forming part of one of the brackets 536,

said rod I 48 projecting from a supporting member I42 as shown in Figs. 2 and 4; a link I43 has its 7 one end pivotally connected at I44 with the'memher I42 and its other end pivotally secured at I45 to a disk I46 fixed upon the shaft 58 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4.

The machine further includes means for inkguide rails I49 located in'oppos'ed parallel rela- 'tion'and fixed upon the inner faces of the side members I5 asshown in Figs. 3, 6, 12, 13, and 14. Inking rolls I50 and I5I are rotatably supported upon the frame I41 by being journalled in the side members thereof, while a third roller I52 is mounted onsaid frame in a specific manner to be more fully described hereinafter, The inking rolls I50 and I5I are continuously, in rolling engagement withactuating rolls I53 while the inking roll 152, in its operative position, is also in rolling contact with one of said actuating rolls I53 as illustrated in Fig. 13. The actuating rolls I53 are carried by shafts I54 which are rotatably mounted in upwardly open recesses I55 formed in ions I56 will roll along and be rotated by the ing rolls to be rotated upon-their several axes to thereby bring about an efficient inking of said rolls I50, I5I, and I 52 and an efiicient distribution of the ink thereby upon the type of the 15 slug59 clamped upon the lower carrier 46 at the time. Ink is supplied to the surface of the roll I52 by means of a transfer roll I59 when the frame I 41 is in the retracted position illustrated in Fig. 3, said transfer roll I59 being removably journalled in bearing brackets I60 and arranged to receive a surface coating of ink from a distributing" roll I6I removably journalled in an ink reservoir I62 supported upon an auxiliary bed plate I63 extending between and suitably secured to the side members I5 as shown inFigs. 3 and 6. To regulate and control the coating of ink picked up-by the distributing roll I6I from the supply in the reservoirjI62, a doctor or scraper I64 may be mounted in the reservoir I62 in tan-.

gential surface engagement with the roll I 6I as '15 illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 3; the doctor or scraper I64 may be controlled by an adjusting the latter contacts with said roll I59 in the retracted position of the frame I49; the inking rolls, I50 and I5I in turn receive coatings of ink through themedium' ofthe actuating rolls I53 as will be apparent.

The distributing roll I6I is rotated in the'rese'rvoir I62 by means of bevel pinions I66 and associated gears which are intermittently actuated by a suitable pawl andratchet mechanism on by a cam I69 secured upon the shaft 58; a spring I10 is effective on the slide I61 to maintain the roller I68 in operative engagement with the cam I69. To still further insure an efficient and uniform inking of the slug 59 which is temporarily clamped upon the lower carrier 46, the

inking rolls I50, I5I, and 152, during the reciprocation of the frame I41, pass overthe inked surface of an inking platen I1I in rolling contact'therewith. The platen vI1I is rotatably mounted in an upright bearing I12 projecting upwardly from the auxiliary bed plate I 63' and is intermittently rotated by a train of gearing I13 operated by suitable pawl and ratchetmechanism controlled'by' the aforesaid slide I61 and its operating cam I69.

Because of the fact that the actuating rolls I53 are geared to the racks I51 and in frictional contact with the inking rolls I50, I5I, and I52, and because the inking roll I52 is in frictional engagement with the transfer roll I59 which in turn is in surface contact with the distributing roll I6I when the frame I41 is in its retracted operated by a slide I 61 carrying a roller I68 acted position this entire train of rolls is ingeared connection with said racks I51 when the frame I41 is near the terminus of its rearward movement. Unless provision is made to release said train of rolls from the restraining effect of its geared connection with the racks I51, it is quite obvious that the operation of the distributing *roll I6I by its actuating mechanism will be opposed when the frame I41 reaches a position in which the transfer roll I59 engages the inkingroll I52, and that injuryto the mechanism or disturbance of its operation may result. To avoid of the movements of said frame I41 and its asso-" ciated elements are arranged in rolling engagement with members I11 suitably fixed in place fit) and extending lengthwise of the racks I51 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 13. The bearing members I'M are. acted on by springs I'IB tending to force said rollers I16 in an upward direction. As

shown in Figs. 3 and 13 the members I'I'I are 7 formed with recesses 5'59 located in registry with the paths of travel of the rollers I "I5 and adapted to receive said rollers when the frame I 9? reaches the end of its return movement. When the rollers II'e pass into said recesses I219 the bearing members I'I i will be pivotaliy actuated by the springs I18 in a direction to shift the inking roll I52 out of surface contact with the one actuating roll I553 so that at this stage the inking roll I52, the transfer roll I59 and the distributing roll I6I are no longer in geared connection with the racks I5? and accordingly are free to rotate independently of the rolls I55, I5I, and I53. As soon as the rollers I15 pass out of the recesses I'it when the frame I41 begins an. operative movement, the bearing members I'M will be pivotally operated against the tension of the springs IE8 to return the inking roll I52 into surface engagement with the one actuating roll E53 and to restore it as part of the train of rolls in geared connection with the racks I57; it will be understood that when this occurs the inking roll I52 has been carried out of engagement with the transfer roll I59 by the forward movement of the frame It? on the guide rails I69.

The reciprocation of the frame I47 on the rails M9 in proper operative synchronism with the other elements of the machine may be accomplished by means of any suitable mechanism an example of which is shown in the drawings. IE1 its illustrated form this mechanism comprises racks I89 slidably mounted in guides I9I supported at opposite sides of the machine on pins I32 secured to the respective side members I5 as illustrated in Fig. i. The racks I89 are connected with the side members of the frame I I'I by releasable couplings or links I93 pivoted at 58 on said side members of the frame I97, as shown in Fig. 3. The racks I99 furthermore mesh with toothed segments I85 fixed upon a shaft journalled in the side members I5 and carrying a lug I8? which is pivotally connected at I88 with an operating member I99 slotted at 99 for slidable mounting on the shaft 58; the member I89 is provided with a roller I9! projecting into the cam groove I92 of the previously mentioned cam disk 85 located on the shaft 56 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

The machine as a whole may be operated by any conventional form of driving mechanism as exemplified by the belt I93 and pulley I95, the latter being fixed upon a drive shaft I95 rotatably mounted on the side member I 5. The shaft I95 carries a pinion I96 in mesh with a gear I91 fixed upon a countershaft I98 journalled in the side members I5 and provided with a pinion I99 arranged in mesh with the gears 299 and secured respectively upon the shafts and 58 as indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 3.

The novel machine constitutes a so-called personal-print machine and is designed primarily to give a personal note to printed advertising or other matter, for instance, by printing the names of individuals for whom such advertising matter is intended in spaces left for this purpose, this personal printed matter being added in such a manner as to give the impression that it was oi' inally included as part of the subject matter which said personal printed matter is com bined. It will of course be understood that other individual items may be correspondingly introduced by printing with the novel machine to otherwise personalize printed matter or to give it some other predetermined individual characteristic. For the purpose of simplifying the explanation and without in any sense intending therebyto limit the scope of the novel machine, it will be assumed that the slugs 59 are provided with lines of type representing the names of selected individuals. As different names require a greater or lesser number of characters, these lines of type will be of different lengths as indicated respectively at a and b in Figs. '8, 9, and 10; such type also projects above the main portions of the slugs 59 to constitute raised impression producing projections of different lengths on the upper surfaces of said slugs as is also shownin the aforesaid three figures. A supply of such slugs 59 is contained in the chute 86 with the rearmost terminal slug 59 in engagement with the advancing member II I] as shown in Fig. 4.

By operating the crank handle II6 or its equiv- I alent, the advancing member III) may be pivotally actuated to remove the pawl I26 from engagement with the rack IIB to thereby permit the support I II and with it the advancing member H9 to be adjusted lengthwise of the rack I I8 to properly engage the advancing member III] with the rearmost terminal slug regardless of the number of slugs 59 contained in the chute 86 within the capacity thereof. p

In Fig. 3 the machine is illustrated in a position subsequent to the printing of the name or its equivalent carried by the slug 59 which is in position on the lower carrier 46 and just prior to the release of said slug 59 to permit its removal from said carrier 46 and its replacement by the next succeeding slug 59 in the chute 86. As the machine is operated from this point the

shafts

36 and 58 with the elements carried thereby will be rotated in operative synchronism to cause the roller 55 of the rocking lever 49 to enter the portion d of the cam groove 56 which acts on said roller 55 to swing the lever 49 in a direction to move the lower carrier 46 downwardly to a slight extent from the position shown in Fig. 3. 'As these operations occur, the rod 69 which rests upon the base plate I6 will remain stationary and at its upper end will act upon the cam 61 to pivotally actuate the member 62 against the tension of the spring 65 and to thereby move the clamping member (H in a direction away from the slug 59 on the carrier 46 to the releasing position illustrated in Fig. '7. 'Coincidentally with these operations the cam I96 will be correspondingly rotated and by means of its cam groove I97 in cooperation with theroller I98 will oscillate the lever 99 upwardly in Fig. 4 to adjust the transfer member 90 and the parts carried thereby length wise of the guide member 88 and guide wall 89 to a point beyond the chute 86. At the proper moment the cam projection I36 on the cam I66 by engagement with the roller I3I will slidably actuate the operating member I 21 to correspondingly operate the rack I I 8 and with it the support III in a manner to cause the advancing member III! to shift the supply of slugs 59 in the chute 86 toward the left in Fig. 4-into engagement with the upright guide wall 89 of the guide member 88. The'portion d of the cam groove 56 designed to maintain the clamping member 9i in the releasing position shown in Fig. 7 for a length of time sufficient to permit the slug 59 located on the lower carrier 46 and which previously has per- 1 oscillated at its pivot I in a direction to shift the transfer member 90 lengthwise of the guide member 88 and guide wall'89 toward the chute 86; during the first stages of this movement the propelling

members

92 and 93 occupy the positions'on the transfer member 90 illustrated in Fig. 8. 'As the above-mentioned shifting movementof the transfer'member 90 toward the chute 86 continues, the propelling member 93 will pass over the forward terminal slug'59and finally will engage the line 'of type either a or b or their equivalent on the particular slug 59 which happens to be the forward terminal slug in said chute 86 at the. time. As the propelling member 7 93 engages the line of type, the continuing movement of the propelling

members

93 and 92; said ment "of the transfer member 90 will cause the propelling member 93 to be pushed backwardly into the transfer member 90 and through the medium of its rack 94 to rotate the pinion 95 to thereby cause the lower propelling member 92 by means of its rack 94 to, be moved out of the 7 transfer member 90. These relative adjustments of the propelling

members

93 and 92 continue until the member 92 engages the body of the forward terminal slug 59 which lies in the chute 86 in the path of the transferring means. At

this stage therefore the upper propelling member 93 'will be in engagement with the line of type a or b while the lower propelling member 92 will be in'contact with the body ofthe slug 59; V

as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 the lengthof the lines of type a and b willdetermine the adjustadjustment beingpredetermined by the length of the line of type a or b or their equivalent and the location thereof on the slug 59, and being such as to always shift the slugs 59 to a position on the lower carrier 46 in which the line of type a, b or their equivalent will occupy the proper printing position regardless of any variations in the length'of such lines of type on different slugs.

As the movement of the transfer member continues the forward terminal slug 59 in the chute 86 will be shifted from the latter toward the delivery end of the guide member 88 and finally will engage the slug v59 which is located upon I the lower carrier 46.- A continued movement of thetransfer member 90 will cause the succeeding slug 59 to shift the preceding ,slug 59 from the lower carrier 46 into the disposal chute I34 from which it passes into the trough I35; As this removal of the preceding slug 59 from the lower carrier 46 takes place, the next succeeding slug 59 will at the same time be shifted into printing position on said lower'carrier' 46-between the plate or stop 60 and the 'clampingmember 6| which at this stage is still in its inoperative or releasing position as shown in Fig. 7. When this replacementof the slugs has taken place on the lowercarrier 46, the roller will pass out ofthe portion d of the cam groove 56 and the latter in co-operation with said roller. 55-will 'pi votally actuate the rocking lever '49 in a-direction to begin the upward'movement ofsaid lower carrier 46. Because of the fact that the rod 69 does not partake of this upward movement of the carrier 46 but remains in engagement with the base "plate'I6 by gravity, the upper end of said rod 69 will release the cam 6I and accordingly permit 7 position upon said lower carrier 46.

the-spring 65 to adjust the clamping member 6| into engagement with the slug 59 which is now on said carrier and thereby clamp said slug against the plate or stop 60 to secure it in printing During the major portion of these operations the roller 33 has remained in the concentric portion of the cam groove 34 so that the rocking leverL30 and its associated elements have remained substantially stationary or atleast have not been actuated to any appreciable degree. Previous to'these operations or at any appropriate period thereof;

the sheet of paper or equivalent materialon which the printing is to be done by the particular.

slug 59 located on the lower carrier 46, has been placed in proper position upon the bed plate I! with the space in which the name of said slug is to be printed in registry with the opening 45 therein.

During the time that the above operations are taking place, the cam groove I92 by acting on V the roller I9I will through the medium of the operating member I89 rock the shaft I86 to swing.

medium of the pinions I56 and rack I51; in

the movement of the frame I4'I lengthwise of the guide rails I49 in the manner described the inking rolls I50, I5I, and I52 will pass over and in surface contact with the inking platen I|I' so that the surfaces of said rolls I50, I5I, and I52 will become evenly coated withprinting ink.

The operations are so timed that the inking rolls I50, I5I, and I52 will successively pass over and in contact with the line of type located on the slug 59 which is fixed upon the lower carrier 46 at the time, to apply a coating of inklto said line of type for printing purposes; the frame I41 and the elements carried thereby will beshifted in a return direction to a sufficient degree to move the inking rolls I50, I5I, and I52 backward be- I yond the vertical path of the carrier 46 before upward movement of the latter has commenced. After the inking of the slug on the carrier 46 has been finished, the rocking levers 30 and 49 will be rocked on their pivots in inverse relation 'by the cam grooves 34 and 56 in co-operation direction. The arrangement is such that the stamping or pressure member 22 will engage the upper surface of the paper or other material will simultaneously be adjusted in an upward which is to receive the impressionat approximately the same moment that the line of type on the slug 59 located on the carrier 46 engages the lower surface of said sheet at the point at which the impression-is to be'made. It will be understood that the upper carrier 2| has previ ously been adjusted by means of the adjusting screw 25 or its equivalent to set the stamping or pressure member 22 in a position for co-operation with the printing slug 59 to produce an efficient and satisfactory impressionxtherefrom. As the lower carrier 46 is moved upwardly the shoulder 12 of the arms 10 will be forced beneath the lower end of said carrier 46 by the action of the spring 74 so that said-shoulder 12 serves to support the lower carrier 46 from below while the slug 53 is making its impression, whereby the operating mechanism is relieved from excess strains during the actual printing operations. If for any reason it should become necessary to temporarily adjust the pressure developed by the stamping or pressure member 22 in opposition to the printing pressure developed by the printing slug 59, this adjustment may be accomplished at will by swinging the operating lever i! on its pivot 12 to rotatably adjust the shaft 33 and eccentrics 39 carried thereby and to thus temporarily change the location of the pivot 35 on which the lever 30 is arranged to swing. When the printing slug 59 has made its impression on the paper or equivalent material located on the bed plate ll, the pin 34 will have engaged the tripping pawl 82 which accordingly will be swung on its pivot 8| ina direction to develop a pull upon the link ll effective upon the lug '15 to swing the arm toward the left in Fig. 3 and to thus remove its shoulder 12 from beneath the lower carrier 1%. Continued operation of the mechanism will rock the

levers

30 and 49 in inverse relation in return directions so that the upper carrier 2| will be moved upwardly while the lower carrier 45 at the same time will be moved downwardly back to the positions shown in Fig. 3, whereupon the cycle of operations described will be repeated. As the shaft 58 is rotated during the cycle of operations set forth above, the disk 145 will rotate therewith and will reciprocate the pushing member 131 at periodic intervals in a manner to advance the slugs accumulated in the trough I35 in successive steps lengthwise thereof; the operative movements of the pushing member IN to shift the accumulated slugs 59 in the trough I35 are so timed that the end portion of the trough l35 located in registry with'the chute I34 will always be free to receive the slugs 59 as they are successively transferred from the lower carrier 46.

The machine is extremely simple in construction and needs no particularly skilled supervision in its operation as will be apparent; all that is required on the partof the operator is to place a supply of slugs 59 from which impressions are to be made, in the chute 86 and to place successive sheets of paper or other material in proper position on the bed plate ill to receive said impressions in the predetermined places. With the novel machine it is possible to impress or print names or other items in corelation with previously printed matter on said sheets or the like to impart thereto a personal touch and to give the impression that each sheet or its equivalent has been independently printed or created in its entirety for a given individual or for any other given purpose. The feeding of the slugs 59 to the printing mechanism, the positioning thereof in proper printing position regardless of variations in the dimensions of the items to be printed and the removal of said slugs from the printing mechanism are all accomplished automatically and without any manual effort on the part of the operator.

It is to be understood that the matter to which the individual items, as exemplified by the names of individuals, are added by the novel machine,

may be produced by any suitable printing operation such as printing from type or lithographing, etc.

Various changes in the specific forms shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

We claim:

1. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be added to said previously printed matter, printing mechanism having a linearly movable printing member normally in receiving relation to said support, means for shifting said slugs successively to a position on said support for delivery to said printing member, means for intermittently transferring said slugs in sequence from said support to said printing member for movement therewith and for removing each next previous slug therefrom, and mechanism for operating said printing mechanism in the intervals between the transferring and removal of successive slugs to and from said printing member.

2. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be additionally printed-thereby, printing mechanism, means for feeding said slugs in sequence to said printing mechanism and for removing each next previous slug therefrom, and adjustable means forming part of said feeding means adapted to automatically compensate for different lengths in the lines of type on individual slugs whereby the latter are automatically shifted to proper printing position regardless of variations in the lengths of said lines of type.

3. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter comprising a bed plate for supporting the printed sheets to which printed items are to be added, and provided with an opening. upper and lower carriers located in vertical registry with each other and with said opening, a chute for containing a supply of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be added tosaid previously printed matter, means for shifting said slugs in succession from said chute to said lower carrier for movement therewith and for removing each next preceding slug therefrom, mechanism for operating said carriers in inverse relation to impress the items on said slugs on said sheets, and movable clamping means on said lower carrier for clamping successive slugs thereon and for releasing the same, said clamping means being automatically controlled by the operative movements of said lower carrier.

4. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter comprising a bed plate for supporting the printed sheets to which printed items are to be added, and provided with an opening, upper and lower carriers located in vertical registry with each other and with said opening, a chute for containing a supply of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be additionally printed thereby, means for shifting said slugs in succession from said chute to said lower carrier and for removing each next preceding slug therefrom, clamping means for releasably clamping the slugs on said lower carrier, means automatically controlled by the operative movements of said lower carrier for operating said clamping means in timed relation with said shifting means to permit the replacement of slugs on said lower carrier and their removal therefrom in individual succession, and mechanism for operating said carriers in inverse relabe additionally printed thereby, means for "shift-.

' compensate for differentlengths'in the lines of type on individual'slugs whereby the latter are.

' a second rocking lever on which said lower car rier is mounted, a' chute for containing a supply of printing slugs, meansfor'shifting said slugs ual succession, and mechanism for rocking said tion to impress theltems on said slugs on'said sheets. a V

5. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a. bed

; plate for supporting the .printed sheets to which printed items are to be added, and providedwith an opening, upper and lower'carriers located in vertical registry with each other and with said opening, a chute for containing, a supply of slugs each provided with typeconstituting the item to ing said slugs insuccession from said chute to said lower carrier and foriremoving'each 'next preceding slug therefrom, adjustable means forming part of saidshifting means adapted to automatically shifted to'proper printing posi:

tion-on said lower carrierregardless of. variations in the lengths of said lines of type,--;and mecha- 'nism for operating said carriers in inverse relation to impress sheets. g 6. A printing machine comprising a bed plate for supporting the material for receiving printed the items on said-slugs on said impressions and provided with an opening, upper and lower carriers located in vertical registry with each other and with said opening, a pressure member movable with said upper carrier, a rocking lever on which said upper carrier is mounted,

from said chute to said lower carrier and for removing the next preceding slug'therefrom in predetermined succession, clamping means for releasably clamping the slugs on said lower carrier, means automatically controlled by the operative movements of said lower carrier for operating said clamping means in timed relation with said shift ing means to permit the replacement of slugs thereon and their removal. therefrom in individlevers to operate said carriers in inverse relation for causing said slugs to produce printed impressions on said material. a

7. A printing'machinecomprising a support for a plurality of printing slugs eachcontainingat least one line of type constituting the matter to be printed thereby, printing mechanism for causing said slugs to produce printed i'npressions, a movable transfer member for shifting said. slugs from said support to said .printingimechanism andf or removing them from the latter in succession, andpropelling members movably carried by said transfer member and automatically adjustable by engagement with successive slugs to compensate for variations in the length of the'lines of type carried thereby whereby said slugs are automatically shifted to proper printing position regardlessofsaid variations. 7

8.'A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printing slugs each containing.

at least one line of, type constituting the, matter to be printed thereby, printing mechanism for causing said slugs to, produce printed impressions, a movable transfer memberfor shifting said slugs from said support to said printing mechanism and for removing them from the latter insu'cces sion, and parallel propelling members slidably movable in inverse relation relatively to said transfer member, one of said propelling'members engaging the lines of type on said slugs to adjust both propelling members in a manner to compensate for variations in the length of the lines of type. carried by different slugs whereby said'slugs are automatically shifted to proper printing position regardless of said variations. y 7

9. A printing machine comprising'a chute for a plurality of printing slugs each containing at,

least one line of type constituting the matter to be printed thereby, printing mechanism for causing said slugs to produce printed impressions,

10. A printing machine for'a'dding printed items to previously printed mattercomprising a support for a pluralityxof slu'gs each provided with type constituting the. item to be added to said previously printed matter, printing mecha-. nism including a movable printing member, means for feeding said slugs in sequence to a printing position on said printingmember for movement therewith and for removing each next previous slug therefrom, means for shifting said slugs relatively to saidsupport into operative relation with said feeding means, a trough for receiving the slugs discarded from the printing member, and means independent of said slug feeding and shifting means for progressively moving said slugs lengthwise'of said trough for final disposition. v

11. A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printing slugs, vertically movable upper and lower carriers located in vertical registry with each other, means for shifting said slugs in succession from said support to a printing position on said lower carrier for movement therewith, mechanism for operating said carriers in inverse verticalrelation to cause said slugs to produce printed impressions, a device for supporting said lower'carrier to prevent depression thereof during each printing stage, and means for adjusting said device to release said lower carrier at the end of each printing stage.

12. A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printing slugs, vertically movable upper and lower carriers located in vertical registry with each other, means for shifting said slugs in succession from said support to a printing position on said lower carrier, a clamping member movably mounted on said lower carrier for releasably clamping successive slugs thereon, a cam fixed on saidclamping member, and a-rod movably mounted on said lower carrier'and cooperating with said cam to automatically control said clamping member, said lower carrier during a portion of its downward movements moving relatively to said rod whereby the latter acts on said cam to adjust said clamping member to an inoperative position to release a given slug for removal from said lower carrier. 7 1 j 13. A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printing slugs, vertically movable upper and lower carriers located in vertical 7 registry with each other,'a pressure ,membermovable with said upper carrier, means 'forshifting saidslugsjin succession from said support to' a printing position on said lower carrier for movement therewith, upper and lower pivoted levers on which said carriers are respectively mounted,

means for rocking said levers to operate said carriers vertically in inverse relation to cause said slugs to produce printed impressions, and manually controlled means for adjusting the pivot of the upper lever at will to thereby vary the effective pressure developed by said pressure member.

14. A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printing slugs, vertically movable upper and lower carriers located in vertical registry with each other, said lower carrier being movable downwardly to a lowered inking position, ink distributing means, a horizontally movable support, a plurality of inking rolls carried thereby, means for horizontally reciprocating said support to bring one of said inking rolls into ink receiving relation with said distributing means and for passing said inking rolls over and in contact with the slug on said lower carrier in the lowered inking position thereof to ink said slug, and means on said movable support for distributing ink to all of the inking rolls therean as said support travels toward said lower carrier.

15. In a printing machine, the combination of vertically movable upper and lower carriers lolated in vertical registry with each other, and constituting means for printing impressions from slugs carried by said lower carrier, the latter being movable to an inking position, ink distributing means, stationary guide rails, a support movable lengthwise of said rails, a plurality of inking rolls carried by said support, actuating rolls on said support in surface contact with said inking rolls and forming therewith a train of rolls, stationary racks located in parallel relation to said guide rails, pinions movable with said actuating rolls and meshing with said racks whereby said train of rolls is normally geared to said racks, means for reciprocating said support lengthwise of said rails to bring one of said inking rolls into ink receiving relation with said ink distributing means and for passing said inking rolls over and in contact with the slug on the lower carrier in the inking position thereof to ink said slug, and means whereby the geared connection of said train of rolls with said racks is broken when said one inking roll is in ink receiving relation with said ink distributing means.

16. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be added to said previously printed matter, printing mechanism including a printing member normally in receiving relation to said support, means for shifting said slugs successively to a position on said support for delivery to said printing member, means for intermittently transferring said slugs in sequence from said support to said printing member and for removing each previous slug therefrom, operating means for said printing mechanism whereby said printing member is moved to and from printing position, and movable clamping means for clamping the slug in individual succession on said printing member and for releasing said slugs, said clamping means being automatically controlled by the operative movements of said printing member.

17. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be added to said previously printed matter, said support having a delivery end to which said slugs are brought in succession, a disposal chute having its receiving end in spaced registry with the delivery end of said support and at a corresponding level therewith, printing mechanism including a printing member movable in the space between the delivery end of said support and the receiving end of said disposal chute and adapted to occupy a position of rest between said delivery and receiving ends at a corresponding level therewith whereby said delivery end of the support, said printing member and said receiving end of the disposal chute together constitute a substantially continuous path,

and means for transferring a terminal slug from the delivery end of said support to said printing member for movement therewith and thereby forcing the last previous slug from said printing member into the receiving end of said disposal chute between successive operations of said printing mechanism.

18. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be added to said previously printed matter, printing mechanism including a printing member normally in receiving relation to said support, means for shifting said slugs successively to a position on said support for delivery to said printing member, means for intermittently transferring said slugs in sequence from said support to said printing member and. for removing each previous slug therefrom, operating means for said printing mechanism whereby said printing member is moved to and from printing position, and a spring controlled clamping member for releasably clamping the slugs in individual succession on said printing member.

19. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter to accord therewith comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be added to said previously printed matter, printing mechanism including a movable printing member normally in receiving relation to said support, means for intermittently transferring successive slugs bodily from said support to said printing memberfor movement therewith, and means for operating said printing member in the intervals between said intermittent transfer of slugs to cause the slug carried by said printing member to make an impression.

20. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printed matter to accord therewith comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided with type constituting the item to be added to said previously printed matter, printing mechanism including a-' movable printing member normally in receiving relation to said support, means for intermittently transferring successive slugs bodily from said support to said printing member for movement therewith, a spring controlled clamping member for releasably clamping successive slugs on said printing member, and means for operating said printing member in the intervals between said intermittent transfer of slugs to cause the slug carried by said printing member to make an impression.

HARRY L. LATZ. STEPHEN H. PLUM, 2D.